Are you an ambitious international student seeking opportunities for higher education in the United States? The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) might be your pathway to academic excellence and global engagement. This scholarship promotes educational access and international diversity, combining academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement at American University (AU).

The AU EGLS aims to foster positive civic and social change by addressing issues faced by under-resourced and underserved communities in the scholars’ home countries. The program is designed for outstanding students who aspire to impact their communities through education and leadership significantly.

Each year, AU selects exceptional students for this scholarship, offering them the chance to study in a vibrant academic environment. The scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for two international students requiring a non-immigrant visa to study in the U.S., with additional partial scholarships available.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall Semester
  • Early Action: November 1, 2025
  • Early Decision I: November 1, 2025
  • Early Decision II: January 15, 2026
  • Spring Semester
    • October 1, 2025 (recommended for Non-US Candidates: September 1, 2025)
• Result Announcement Dates: April 1, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully and Partial scholarships
• Host Institution: American University
• Eligible Countries: All except U.S. citizens and residents
• Eligible Gender: Male and Female
• Target Group: High-achieving international students from under-resourced backgrounds
• Field: All undergraduate fields offered at AU
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Number of Opportunities: Two full scholarships, up to eight partial scholarships
• Duration: Up to four years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United States

Benefits of the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

This scholarship is funding the following items for international students with non-immigrant visas (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States:

• Covers all billable AU expenses (tuition, room, and board)
• Up to $40,000 per year for partial scholarships
• Opportunity to connect with other global leaders and professionals
• Leadership development with a focus on civic and social change
• Opportunity to engage in international issues

The scholarship will not cover unbillable expenses worth approximately U.S.$4,000 per year:

• Health insurance
• Books
• Flight tickets
• Taxes
• Miscellaneous expenses

Note: A Partial scholarship is available to talented applicants who complete the AU EGL scholarship process.

Eligibility Criteria for American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Any student willing to apply for this scholarship must fulfill the following conditions:

• Applicants should be international applicants who have overcome various obstacles and challenges
• Applicants should be international students who need a non-immigrant visa (F-1 or J-1)
• They must be currently enrolled in secondary/high school and graduating by June 2026
• The transcript score should be at least 3.8 GPA out of 4.0 or in the top 10% of high school classes.
• Have a great commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and community service.

• Students with one of the following test scores are eligible:

  • TOEFL iBT: 95+ (all subscores must be 20 or above)
  • TOEFL Paper-Based Test: Sub-scores of 24+ (taken after May 31, 2017)
  • IELTS: 7.0+ (all subscores must be 6.0 or above)
  • SAT Reading: Minimum 33
  • SAT Digital (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing – EBRW): Score of 630 or higher (as of March 2023)
  • ACT English: Minimum 29
  • PTE Academic: Minimum 65
  • Duolingo English Test: 125+ (all subscores must be 115 or above)
  • Cambridge Assessment English: Score of 185 or higher (each sub-score must be 169 or higher)

You are NOT eligible to apply if:

• You are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, pending permanent resident, or dual citizen.
• You are currently enrolled in or have begun post-secondary studies at any university.
• You graduated from secondary school before 2023.

Documents Required

The candidates should submit the following required documents to apply for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship:

Required Documents

1. Common Application or Coalition Application: Complete and submit with all required documents.
2. Bank Letter: Confirming a minimum of $4,000.
3. AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF): Confirming a minimum of $4,000.
4. Official English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English, sent directly by the testing agency to American University.
5. EducationUSA or FLEX/YES Program Letter (if applicable): If you are applying through these programs or are a past FLEX/YES recipient, you need a letter from your EducationUSA center’s adviser.
6. Proof of Funds (if not selected as a finalist): If you are not chosen but are still considered for admission, submit proof of funds totaling up to $81,620.

Application Procedure

The AU Emerging Global Leadership Scholarship application process has two steps:

1. Submit the Common or Coalition Application and all supporting documents by the deadlines.
2. Submit the AU EGL Scholarship application and essays via your applicant portal by the same deadline.

Notes:

• Send Supporting Documents: Include a bank letter, AU Declaration of Finances Form, and official English proficiency test scores.
• Additional Information: Provide a letter from EducationUSA or FLEX/YES programs if applicable.
• Await Notification: Decisions will be announced by April 1, 2026.

Please visit the American University Website or contact intadm@american.edu.

Check More Opportunities:

Freshwater Research Internship Program at the WWF, USA

Swinburne Research Stipend Scholarships 2025 in Australia

Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Program (Scholarship Program)